Opposition Questions LeBlanc’s Ties to Billionaire JD Irving
Canadian Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc faces renewed ethics scrutiny after confirming he stayed at billionaire J.D. Irving’s home following a mid-December Christmas party in Rothesay, New Brunswick, prompting calls for a review of his conflict-of-interest arrangements.
The Conservative Party has asked Ethics Commissioner Konrad von Finckenstein to examine whether LeBlanc’s existing ethics screen remains adequate following his December 16 appointment as finance minister. The screen, established in 2016, prevents LeBlanc from personal dealings with J.D. Irving, Ltd. and its affiliates and subsidiaries.
“It’s important, when you have jobs like we have, that you don’t lose all your friends. And the friendship of Mr. Irving is something that’s important to me on a personal level,” LeBlanc said in Palm Beach, Florida, where he was meeting with incoming US cabinet nominees.
Conservative MP Michael Barrett questioned LeBlanc’s ability to handle key financial decisions affecting Irving’s corporate interests.
“I have serious concerns about whether provisions around ‘general application’ can be appropriately defined when Minister LeBlanc is now in charge of taxation policy, the timing and financing of large purchases — such as warships, and trade disputes with the United States affecting exports of Canadian goods, all of which generate a great deal of profits for the Irving companies, and Dominic LeBlanc’s friends,” Barrett wrote. His letter also cited LeBlanc’s previous use of Irving’s corporate jet for medical treatments in 2019 and 2020, and a 2003 incident involving undeclared flights.
The ethics screen requires LeBlanc’s chief of staff and deputy minister to handle Irving-related matters. Barrett’s letter specifically questions whether this arrangement remains sufficient given LeBlanc’s expanded role overseeing taxation policy and trade disputes affecting Irving company interests.
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Well what is new aboit this behaviour by MPs?? They think the rules do not apply to them. Just Like Singh and the Taylor Swift concert.. Did he take advantage of the free tickets for himself and his daughter.
Ethics standards are set by the party leader and Trudeau is seemingly above the rules.
On that point who suggested we become the newest state of the US??? Mr T ran to his master in Miami it seems and now LeBlanc to his buddy when he is the new finance minister… really have you Liberals no shame? It is time for an election. Changes in laws concerning government, all parties , and full compliance with all rules. Then dismiss the role of Gov General that is a pure waste of tax payers money…